Viral video sparks inquiry into negligence
Handwara, Dec 20 A shocking incident has come to light in north Kashmir’s Handwara, where a family, after being allegedly refused help by a veterinarian, resorted to YouTube for guidance to treat their ill cow.
The family, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), claims that repeated calls to the doctor of the Department of Animal Husbandry went unanswered, leaving them no choice but to seek alternative solutions.
The family alleged that they waited at the local veterinary facility for the doctor, who not only failed to show up but reportedly dismissed their requests, telling them to “go wherever you wish”.
The family, dependent on the cow for their livelihood, turned to the internet for help. “My daughter, a 10th-grade student, found the required medicine on YouTube, which cost us Rs 900,” said the cow’s owner, expressing frustration at the lack of support from local veterinary services.
Meanwhile, the matter gained widespread attention after a video uploaded by a journalist went viral. It highlighted the family’s plight and accused Javaid Ahmad Chopan, an MTS member at the Block Veterinary Office, Handwara, of neglecting his duties.
Block Veterinary Officer, Dr Vajahat Afzal issued a notice to Chopan (MTS), directing him to submit a written explanation within two days. The notice warns of disciplinary action under departmental rules if he fails to respond.
“This is to bring to your kind attention that on 20/12/2024, a video was shared by one journalist namely Danish Ahmad Bhat on his Facebook page (Bhat Danish) wherein one complainant, while giving an interview to the aforementioned journalist, leveled serious allegations against you. In this video, the complainant said that you refused to attend to his cow that was in need of medical attention, and you have overcharged the complainant for injecting intrauterine iodine”, reads an explanation notice served to the MTS in question.
“In view of these allegations, you are hereby directed to submit a written explanation within 2 days from the receipt of this letter, failing which action warranted under norms shall be initiated against you”, the notice reads—(KNO)
